Police say car used in Lahore blast was stolen, 'detain' owner

Police sources told GNN that the car used in the blast was stolen and that its owner have been taken into custody for interrogation. He blongs to Hafizabad.

According to the report, 25 to 30 kg of explosives along with ball bearings, and nails were used in the blast.

The explosives were planted in the car and detonated by a control device.

On the site of the blast, a hole of approximately 3 feet deep and 8 feet wide was witnessed, while an area of ​​100 square feet is affected.

The blast shattered the windows of nearby buildings and vehicles.

According to sources, the initial report of the Johar Town blast has been also submitted to IG Punjab.

The IG Punjab and other senior officials will also present the report to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

Two injured of Lahore's Johar Town blast have died at the hospital, Lahore CCPO tells reporters.

He says it looks like a bomb blast but investigations are still underway.

Jinnah Hospital management said 24 injured people had been brought in while five people are said to be in critical condition.

Six people sustained minor injuries and were discharged after first aid.

Jinnah Hospital's Medical Superintendent confirms Lahore's explosion was a bomb blast. He says the injured received "ball bearing" and "blast" injuries.

A policeman was also injured, CCPO Lahore said.

CM SEEKS REPORT FROM IGP ABOUT JOHAR TOWN BLAST

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has strongly condemned the Johar Town blast and expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. He extended sympathies to the bereaved heirs.

The CM sought a report from IG Police and directed them to investigate the blast incident. The criminals involved in this blast should be immediately arrested and injured be provided with the best treatment facilities, he said. The CM also directed to impose emergency in Jinnah Hospital and other hospitals for taking best arrangements for the injured. He asked the Rescue-1122 and line departments to expedite their relief work. Meanwhile, Addl. IG CTD visited the site and reviewed the overall situation. Provincial ministers Dr Yasmin Rashid and Hashim Dogar visited Jinnah Hospital to inquire after the injured.

The CM said the Punjab government fully shares the grief of the deceased persons adding that this is an attempt to sabotage the law and order situation in the province. The perpetrators of the crime will not escape from the law and a handful of terrorists cannot weaken the strong commitment of the nation, he added.  The anti-state elements are trying to destabilise the situation through nefarious activities, he said and announced that heirs of deceased persons will be provided financial assistance while damages to properties will also be compensated.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah telephonically contacted CM Punjab and condemned the Johar Town blast. He prayed for the early recovery of the injured. Usman Buzdar said the criminals will soon be under the grip of the law. An investigation team has been constituted and the injured are being provided with the best treatment facilities.

 

---Report by Fraz Nizam